Celtic Fans Slam their top star as ‘Worst Signing Ever’ After UEFA Champions League Playoff Heartbreak at Ortalyq Stadium
Celtic supporters have erupted in frustration following the club’s shocking exit from the UEFA Champions League playoff, with midfielder McCowan drawing intense criticism. The Scottish champions held Kairat to a 0–0 draw in the second leg at Ortalyq Stadium, but ultimately fell 3–2 in the penalty shootout, leaving fans furious and calling for McCowan to be banned immediately.
The tie, which determined which team would advance to the Champions League group stage, was expected to be a high-stakes affair. After failing to secure an advantage in the first leg, Celtic entered the second leg knowing that even a single goal could be decisive. However, Kairat’s disciplined defense kept Celtic at bay throughout the 90 minutes, resulting in another scoreless draw and setting up a dramatic penalty shootout.
Celtic struggled from the spot, converting only two out of five attempts, while Kairat successfully scored three penalties to seal their progression. The failure to score in the shootout highlighted Celtic’s vulnerability under pressure and left fans questioning the team’s mental toughness in critical European fixtures.
Amid the disappointment, midfielder McCowan was singled out by supporters. Many argued that his overall performance, including his contributions leading up to the shootout, failed to meet expectations. Social media quickly became a storm of criticism, with fans labeling him “the worst signing ever” and demanding immediate action from the club.
“McCowan has cost us again,” one fan tweeted. “Worst signing ever, can’t handle the big moments.”
Another added,
“Two goals missed not only him even maeda missed the penalty shootout and zero impact during the game. Celtic deserve better.”
The intensity of the backlash underscores the high expectations Celtic supporters place on their squad, particularly in European competition.
While McCowan’s performance drew ire, analysts caution against placing the blame solely on one player. Kairat’s defensive organization at Ortalyq Stadium was exceptional, frustrating Celtic’s attacking efforts throughout the match. Several clear opportunities went unconverted, and the team as a whole struggled to capitalize, ultimately leaving the tie to be decided by the lottery of penalties.
Football pundits also note that penalty shootouts are inherently unpredictable, even for top players. Nevertheless, fan sentiment reflects deep dissatisfaction not only with the shootout outcome but also with McCowan’s overall contributions during the match. The frustration is compounded by Celtic’s ambitions to compete at the highest level in Europe, where every mistake is magnified.
Celtic’s manager now faces mounting pressure to address tactical shortcomings and squad performance. While criticism of McCowan is at the forefront, the loss highlights broader issues, including offensive inefficiency and pressure handling. Fans are demanding accountability, emphasizing that Celtic cannot afford underperformance in pivotal matches, especially in the Champions League.
The 3–2 penalty defeat marks a significant blow to Celtic’s hopes of advancing to the UEFA Champions League group stage. The club leaves Ortalyq Stadium not only disappointed but also under scrutiny from supporters who feel the team failed to live up to expectations. McCowan, at the center of fan ire, faces questions about his future at the club unless performances improve rapidly.
Looking forward, Celtic will need to regroup and learn from this European setback. The loss serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes and unforgiving nature of top-tier competition. For both McCowan and the rest of the squad, the coming weeks will be critical in restoring confidence and preparing for domestic and future European campaigns, while fans continue to watch closely for signs of improvement.
